British tourists are abandoning Majorca in growing numbers as the Spanish island grapples with widespread anti-tourism demonstrations that have left restaurants half-empty and hotels struggling to meet occupancy targets during peak summer season. The Mediterranean destination, which attracted 13.4 million visitors last year, is experiencing a notable downturn in arrivals as thousands of residents take to the streets demanding action against overtourism.
Hotels in the eastern resort of Capdepera and the northwestern town of Sóller are witnessing the steepest declines in visitor numbers, according to the Majorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM), which represents 844 establishments with nearly 200,000 beds across the island. The federation’s vice-president, María José Aguiló, confirmed the concerning trend whilst addressing industry leaders this week.
“While we don’t have official statistics yet, information from our various associations indicates that Capdepera, which heavily relies on German tourism, and Sóller are experiencing the most significant drops in visitor numbers,” Ms Aguiló stated during a briefing in Palma.
Hospitality Sector Bears the Brunt
The impact on local businesses has been immediate and severe. Restaurant terraces that would typically overflow with diners during July and August are operating at half capacity, with some establishments granting staff unexpected leave during what should be their busiest period. This mid-season lull has sent shockwaves through the hospitality sector, which forms the backbone of the island’s economy.
FEHM data reveals that hotel occupancy forecasts have consistently missed targets since May, with the trend continuing through June and into the peak summer months. The British market, traditionally one of Majorca’s most reliable sources of tourism, is showing particularly sluggish growth, adding to industry anxieties about the remainder of the season.
“We’re seeing two distinct booking patterns emerge: advance reservations and last-minute bookings, making precise forecasting particularly challenging,” Ms Aguiló explained. The federation noted that this unusual pattern has complicated revenue projections and staffing decisions for hotels across the island.
Protests Intensify Across the Island
The anti-tourism movement, spearheaded by the platform Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), has gained significant momentum throughout 2025. In July alone, thousands of protesters marched through Palma’s streets in what organisers described as the largest anti-tourism demonstration ever recorded in Spain, with police estimates suggesting 12,000 to 20,000 participants, whilst organisers claimed up to 50,000 attendees.
Protesters have been increasingly vocal about their grievances, citing soaring housing costs, overcrowded public services, and environmental degradation as key concerns. Demonstrators have carried placards reading “Your luxury, our misery” and “This isn’t tourismophobia, it’s numbers: 1,232,014 residents, 18 million tourists,” highlighting the stark imbalance between the local population and annual visitor numbers.
Ivan Cerdena Molina, who helped organise recent protests, told local media: “We have nothing against individual tourists but the industry is growing and growing and using up so many resources and the island cannot cope.”
Economic Stakes Rise as Numbers Fall
The financial implications of declining tourist numbers are substantial. The Balearic Islands welcomed 18.7 million visitors in 2024, generating €22.38 billion (£19.2 billion) in revenue, marking a 12 per cent increase from the previous year. German holidaymakers led spending with €6 billion, whilst British tourists contributed €4.38 billion, underscoring the significant economic stakes as visitor numbers decline.
Despite the current challenges, FEHM remains cautiously optimistic about matching 2024’s performance, though concerns persist about the British market’s tepid response. The federation has observed that Nordic tourists have become increasingly responsive to what they term “negative campaigns” targeting the tourism sector.
Local authorities find themselves walking a tightrope between addressing residents’ legitimate concerns and maintaining the tourism industry that directly and indirectly contributes more than 40 per cent of the Balearic Islands’ GDP. The regional government has faced criticism for what protesters describe as inadequate measures to manage tourist flows and protect local communities.
Growing Movement Across Spain
The anti-tourism sentiment extends beyond Majorca, with similar movements gaining traction in Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and other Spanish tourist hotspots. In Barcelona, Mayor Jaume Collboni announced plans to eliminate all short-term rental licences by 2028, whilst Spain is considering a 100 per cent tax on properties purchased by non-EU residents.
The movement has announced plans to intensify actions ahead of the 2025 summer season, with organisers calling for meetings to regroup and coordinate efforts. A recent gathering at the Escola Rural des Puig d’Alanar in Manacor focused on housing problems, job insecurity, and strategies for the coming months.
Activists argue that mass tourism has created a housing crisis, with short-term rentals driving up prices and displacing local residents. They claim the current tourism model benefits multinational hotel chains whilst leaving locals struggling with inflated living costs and strained infrastructure.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
The Majorca hotel industry has launched urgent measures to restore visitor confidence and counter what they perceive as damaging anti-tourism rhetoric. Hotel operators are working to create more sustainable tourism models whilst emphasising their vital role in the local economy, which employs tens of thousands of workers during peak season.
Some industry leaders have suggested that the protests themselves may be achieving their intended effect of reducing tourist numbers, though they warn of potential long-term damage to the island’s reputation and economy. The challenge facing Majorca is finding a sustainable balance between economic prosperity and quality of life for residents.
As the summer season progresses, all eyes remain on visitor statistics and booking trends. With the British market showing continued hesitation and other key markets responding to negative publicity, the coming months will prove crucial in determining whether Majorca can navigate this crisis whilst preserving its position as one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations.
The situation highlights the growing tension between mass tourism and local sustainability across Europe’s most popular destinations, raising fundamental questions about the future of travel in an increasingly crowded world.
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